The Watchtower
DC Animated Universe
(A/N: Greatest Universe of All Time!)
Superman, one of the founding members and most remarkable heroes of the Justice League was pleased to see new and familiar faces around him. After the Thanagarian Invasion, he and the other members decided it would be wise to have a group of brave men and women who could defend the Earth in case the original members failed or were captured by the enemy. Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Flash agreed to let other heroes join the Justice League. They also welcomed other skilled individuals like doctors, nurses, engineers, scientists, therapists, soldiers, and chefs to join the Watchtower. Though reporters had not yet been invited, Superman hoped to include them in the future. It's never hurt to have people telling their adventures to the people.
Clark smiled, 'Our finance supporters have outdone themselves.' Thanks to Carol Ferris of Ferris Aircraft, Mr. Terrific of Holt Industries, Ted Kord of Kord Industries, Aquaman of Atlantis, Highfather of New Genesis, Queen Maxima of Almerac, and, of course, Bruce Wayne of Wayne Enterprises, they were able to fund a more extensive and newer Watchtower then the government.
It would benefit J'onn, Diana, and Shayera to have more company in the Watchtower, as they have only interacted for the past two years.
"Shayera," Clark whispered to himself, his heart filled with hope for Shayera's safe return. Her choice to stand with her allies and friends, even if it meant going against her people, was a testament to her heroism.
Perhaps he, too, feels lonely now that his adopted cousin Kara is preparing to leave for college and is busy protecting National City in California. His relationship with Lois Lane has been problematic since their encounter with Darkseid, the creation of the Justice League, and the addition of new members. He is unsure how to fix the issues between them and wonders if giving each other some space may be beneficial.
'Or is it time to end it with her, Kent? It's not like she wants Clark Kent anyway. And it's not like you can win her over as Superman.' A negative reflection came to him. He looked depressed about his future with the reporter. He is trying with her but doesn't know what to do.
"No!" A boy screamed, and then a boom echoed in his ears.
Superman's ears started to twitch. 'Who in Rao's name was that?' That sounds like a child, maybe a teenager, screaming as the familiar but horrible sound blows his ears—boom tubes sound.
"What is it?" Batman asked. He started to notice his friend acting on guard and concerned.
"I'm hearing boom tubes sound and screaming."
Wonder Woman was now on guard, "Could it be someone from Apokolips?"
"No doubt," Superman growled, remembering his time as a pawn for Darkseid, watching Granny Goodness train poor children into mindless soldiers for that monster. As he continued to locate the noise, a big thud finally landed on the ground, causing Superman to know where to look. "This way!"
When the Man of Steel and the Amazon Princess finally arrived, everyone was shocked to see six teenagers on the Watchtower. Two girls and four boys were injured and needed medical attention.
"Someone get a medic team here now!" Superman order.
"Got it, Superman," Steel said.
One by one, each of the newer members of the Justice League took a young hero to see a medic.
As the Man of Steel moves closer to the boys, he can't believe that this is Robin holding a boy in a black Superman symbol shirt. The boy looked like his birth mother! This Robin was less tiny and young-looking than the former Robin, Richard 'Dick' Grayson. But then again, all of the kids were different. As he tries to grab the injured one, the crying Boy Wonder holds tighter to his friend and moves away.
"Robin, you have to let him go," he said, reasoning with the young hero.
He shakes his head no, then cries and holds Superboy's bloody wound.
Superman and the other heroes started to get worried. How are they going to get Robin to let go? He doesn't want to forcibly grab the injured boy from Robin and cause him to freak out and attack him with Kryptonite. Know his luck against a protege of the Dark Knight. This child would be deadly if he felt threatened. Superman could hear the wounded boy's slow heartbeats; his breath was shallow, and he was losing a lot of blood from his chest.
"Robin!" Batman shouted, causing the other heroes to jump, except Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Manhunter.
However, it's seen as getting Robin's attention and making him look his way. More tears came down his little mask as he pleaded, "Dad, I can't stop the bleeding. Please save Superboy. Please!"
Batman is perplexed as he gazes at the boy standing before him. The boy looks like Richard 'Dick' Grayson, Batman's first partner and the original Robin, but he appears to be younger and sees Batman as his father. Despite the unusual situation, their priority is to save Superboy. They can investigate this mystery later once the children are out of harm's way.
"We will. But you've got to let Superboy go."
Robin released his friend and hugged Batman's waist as more tears came.
It shocked everyone, even the Dark Knight himself, for a child hugging him for comfort. And if intense, Batman hugged him back just before gently knocking him and taking him to the Infancy room, too.
Superman gently picked up Superboy as he also held his wound to stop the blood from leaving. He couldn't believe his eyes. This poor boy was pale as a ghost. He was sweating up a storm. His blood was all over the place!
'Amazingly, he's still alive,' Clark thought to himself.
Superboy slowly opens his eyes and sees everything is foggy. Despite this, he can still make out the outline of Superman carrying him. He might have smiled if the Boy of Steel wasn't in so much pain. Superman and the Justice League watched from afar and came to their aid against the Witch Boy.
"My... friends? Where?" He asked in a shallow voice.
"The medical team is currently attending to your friends," Superman responded firmly, not wanting the boy to worry too much about his friends' condition. "You need to conserve your strength and focus on getting better." Clark knew the boy was concerned about his friends but needed to prioritize his health. "Rest now and don't strain yourself, son," he added sternly, hoping to get his message across.
He placed the injured boy onto the bed, along with the nurses and two superhero doctors, Mr. Terrific and Dr. Mid-Nite. They weren't even surprised that Superboy had just gone to work there. Nurses removed his bloody clothes and hooked him to machines.
Superboy nodded. He was glad that his friends were alright but were worried now. 'That doesn't sound like Superman. He calls me son.' Again, feeling happy that the Man of Steel, his donator, now sees him as a son was rewarding. Or was it? 'Am I compelling all of this in my head? Maybe I should say this before I die?' Superboy looked at Superman as best as possible and then used his strength's last bit to grab his arm. "I'm sorry for being a mistake."
Superman looked down in confusion. "What?"
"I am sorry I couldn't be strong or fly like you. I am sorry for being a clone instead of a real boy. I am so sorry."
Superman felt sad when the boy apologized for not having all his powers, not realizing he was still young and hadn't fully developed them yet.
"Shh. There is nothing wrong with you, son. You hear me," he said from the bottom of his heart as he squeezed Superboy's left hand. "Can I tell you a fun fact? I didn't start flying until I was 18. I was so scared of heights at the time."
"Really?"
"Yeah. You are not broken, so stop all that negative talking, alright?"
Superboy would jump for joy if he weren't in pain. He dreamed of flying beside Superman and touching the Moon. Despite Desmond's claims, he wasn't a failed project. All he needed was to grow; then, he could have Superman's power.
"Thank you, Pa," Superboy smiled as he closed his eyes. He felt a strong sense of sleepiness, and his grip was feeble. Death was ready to take him away in a cold chill- an unfamiliar sensation that he couldn't resist.
"Son?" Superman's eyes widened in horror. 'No. No. No. NO! Not again!' He imagined Inspector Daniel Turpin killed by Darkseid's Omega Beams, and Kara's beaten body appeared in his mind. He felt powerless to do anything to save them. 'This can't be happening again!'
"He's crashing!" One of the nurses shouted.
"NO!" Someone screamed. "SUPERBOY!"
Superman used his X-ray vision. And saw Superboy's friends freaking out, trying to break free while crying and screaming for him.
The young Martain turns into her proper form, but instead of green, she is a white Martian! J'onn was trying to calm the young girl down.
'Superboy! Superboy!' The white Martain screamed through telepathy. 'We are coming! Please don't die! Don't leave us!'
'Calm yourself, child,' J'onn said through telepathy while trying to calm her down.
Shining Knight and Vigilante were holding the black boy with the gills. The boy spoke in a language that sounded like Atlantean, and the couple did their best to calm him down.
Kid Flash was shaking so badly that it looked like he was vibrating toward the point where Clark could see blood coming from his ears.
Robin and Artemis were already fighting now. Artemis fought with Wonder Woman, while Robin fought Batman and tried to find their dying friend.
Doctors attempted to restart the boy's heart using defibrillation. Unfortunately, the machine was not powerful enough to save him. Superman, who did not know the child, placed his hand on Superboy's chest, hoping that God and Rao were guiding him to a safe passage to paradise.
~Heaven~
Superboy blinks several times to see a red sky instead of Earth's blue sky. He looks around to see buildings and plants he doesn't know. However, what shocked him the most was that the mountains were crystal clear.
"Am I on Earth anymore?" He asked. "What is this place?"
"You're in Kyptron's version of Heaven, child," a woman replied.
He turns his head to see two people he wasn't familiar with coming toward him. The man was tan with black hair and eyes. The woman, however, looked like him and Superman with long hair.
His eyes widen as this thought pops into his mind. The couple looked like Superman and him, meaning they must be the Man of Steel's parents!
"Are you guys Superman's parents?"
"Yes, I'm Jor-El," the man greeted.
"And I'm Lara. Yes, we're Kal-El's parents. And your grandparents."
Superman's parents see him as their grandson! They welcome him to the House of the El! Superboy's heart almost busts out of his chest. However, he looked down in sadness. "But I am a clone, not a real Kryptonian."
"That doesn't matter, child," Jor-El said as he grabbed Superboy's shoulder. "You've got the House of El's blood in your veins now. Remember that."
"And you have Kal-El to help you to become a Kryptonian," Lara added. "I am sure he is excited to become your father, child."
Superboy smiled a little, remembering what Superman had said to him. He called him his son—Superman's parents him as their grandson. What more does a boy need to feel so special?! "Thank you. Both of you."
Jor-El smiled as Lara hugged Superboy. At first, the Boy of Steel was shocked, but his grandmother's embrace made him feel alive and connected to his Kryptonian heritage. He hugged her back and smiled, but his expression hinted at sadness. Superboy would never see them again until death was ready to retake him. All he can do is remember them.
"Farewell, child," Lara kissed his forehead, then disappeared.
Jor-El grabbed Superboy's shoulders and smiled, "Be strong, my grandson."
Superboy smiled, then waved, "Goodbye and thank you."
Everything turned black around the Boy of the Steel, confusing him until his surroundings became ice that almost looked like crystal, with a clear mist everywhere. Curious Superboy walked closer to one of the crystals and was horrified. Inside the crystal were two fully-sized skeletons. He looked at another one, and like before, it had skeletons, too! All of them! What the Hell is going on?!
In the distance, Superboy heard a low growl and turned around to see a dragon staring at him. The beast was black, with teal-glowing eyes. Its body looked like a long black cape with wings. Superboy was unsure whether to be scared or amazed by this creature. As the dragon moved closer and closer, its fangs bared; Superboy wondered if it would attack him. But just as it was about to strike, something unexpected happened.
"Nightwing, my pet, there's no need to scare our guest," a voice echoed into the darkness. The dragon, Nightwing, obeyed and moved away from Superboy towards a tall, muscular woman. She wore a blue one-piece suit and boots and had white hair. Her skin was grey, and her eyes were pure white, giving off an eerie vibe. She petted Nightwing's head and then turned her attention towards Superboy. "Now that that's over, we have much to discuss."
"Who are you?" Superboy asked.
"I am Cythonna," the woman greeted with a smile. "I am the Kryptonian Goddess of Ice and Death, but there is no reason to fear me, my child."
"Who said I was afraid of you? I didn't know we have a God."
"Gods, boy. The people have forgotten about us and unquestioningly believe a machine over us."
"I am sorry?" Superboy didn't know where this convention was going on. He didn't even understand that the Kryptonian people fell because of a machine. "But what does this have to do with me?"
She leans closer to the young clone with an evil smirk and says, "Of course, this has everything to do with you, boy. We had work to do." She then blows a cold white wind onto her hand, which she transforms into a crystal-like apple. She gives the apple to Superboy and says, "Eat it. It will help you return to the land of the living and reunite with your father and friends."
"Will this allow me to return to them?" Superboy inquired as he stared at the apple. He could rejoin his friends and reunite with Superman if he took a bite out of it! However, he couldn't shake off the feeling that it was some ploy. It didn't make sense for the Kryptonian Goddess of Death to want him, a clone, to return. He looked at her suspiciously, with his defenses up like a brick wall, and questioned, "What's the catch?"
"The catch?" Cythonna repeated, tilting her head and grinning. "You would figure it out, boy. Now, would you like to return to the land of the living? To your father and friends, Superboy?"
Superboy was struggling with an irresistible temptation. He yearned to be with the people he loved, believing that eating the apple was the only way to achieve it. He murmured to himself, "For them," as he finally took a bite of the fruit. His body reacted immediately, causing him to feel both hot and cold simultaneously. He groaned in pain as the cold sensation left his body. The last thing he saw was the Goddess's grin, and then darkness and sleep overcame him.
~The Watchtower~
Superboy gasped aloud, and his heart monitor beeped before he passed out again. It shocked everyone to see the boy come back to life, but doctors and nurses got back to work. The other children passed out once J'onn's right hand exited from the White Martian's head. The Leaguers then place them back onto the bed and have the doctors and nurses work on them.
Superman, however, focuses on the kid in front of him. Superboy's heart just started back up. He had been dead for five minutes, yet he came back to life! Was it the work of the higher-ups letting the boy live? But all he notices is that the boy is alive, and they are working on him to stabilize him. Once they got Superboy, stabilizing yet not knowing what else was hurting, the Boy of Steel, Superman, Dr. Mid-Nite, and Mr. Terrific left and were met with Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, and Batman talking.
"The children were in agony! What happened to them?" Wonder Woman asked.
"Their minds were linked together," J'onn replied. "They felt Superboy's dead. I stopped the link and put them to sleep through the female White Martian, M'gann M'orzz."
Superman's eyes widen from the horror. Those children were freaking like that cause they felt Superboy die. That had to be the worst experience anybody felt, child or adult. As Superman was about to return to Superboy's room, Zatanna Zatara stopped him.
"I wouldn't touch that if I were you," she said as she showed him his injured hands. "Superboy's wound aroma of Dark Magic is also hurting you. Whoever he fought had to be one powerful being to do this damage."
"Of course!" Dr. Mid-Nite stated, "Which explains why Superboy is still deteriorating."
Superman looked at his hands and didn't notice bruises forming around them. He remembered bruises like this from Karkull and the creatures of Icthultu. He looked back at Superboy with more terror in his eyes. 'Who were you guys fighting?'
"What can we do to remove this Dark Magic from him?" Wonder Woman asked.
Zatanna's voice trembled as she spoke defeatedly, "I wish I knew how to remove the Magic from his body during a barren spell. It's such a helpless feeling."
"What about Dr. Fate? Maybe he knows how to do it," Superman suggested with panic.
"We already sent him on a mission," J'onn reminded everyone, causing them to gasp.
"Then you would've to do it, Zatanna."
"What!? I never did a healing spell before! What if I mess up? Or cause more-" She was about to start rumbling when a hand grabbed her shoulder. She looked to see it was Batman.
"Try, Zee," Batman said.
"Try?"
"Yes, try. Get what little Magic you can so Dr. Fate can do the rest."
Superboy lay dying before her eyes. His life depended on removing the Magic; no one wanted to watch a child suffer. The Magician put on a determined expression and nodded. "Alright, let's do this!"
"Even if the poison is removed, Superboy will need blood. Lots of it," Mr. Terrific stated.
"He can have my blood," he interrupted, which shocked everyone in the room. "Our blood would be the same."
"Very well then, Superman. If you want one of the nurses-"
"I would handle Superman's blood," Batman interrupted.
If anyone could handle Superman's blood, it should be someone he trusts. The Dark Knight also realizes that Superman was thinking emotionally rather than logically.
As the Dark Knight was ready to take the Man of Steel's blood, he looked concerned at his best friend. He understands Clark wanted to help anyone in need, but this stranger, this child, is from a different universe.
"I know what you're about to say, Bruce," Clark stated as he could feel his friend's stare. "But I have to help."
"Then it is nothing to say, Clark." Batman then places the needle in Clark's veins. "Cause I know you."
Clark groaned as he could feel his blood leave each of his arms but sucked it up. He never gave his blood away, and it feels odd to do it. Clark loses blood against fighting but never gives blood to save someone's life, especially his son's. It is all new territory for him; he feels all the emotions after 30 minutes of taking two pints of his blood. Batman and Superman hurry back to the Surgical room.
When the two superheroes entered the room, Mr. Terrific, Dr. Mid-Nite, Zatanna, and the nurses wore blue sterile surgical gowns with white masks. Zatanna held a silver box with black lines around it and backward writing on it. They were preparing to perform surgery on Superboy.
"Here," Batman passed Superman's blood to one of the nurses.
"Once the toxic magic is removed, we can give him the blood and begin surgery," Dr. Mid-Nite stated.
"I removed the Dark Magic and put it in this silver box," Zatanna explained to the trio. "And as well as protecting everyone from it too."
"You all should get to the Waiting Room," Mr. Terrific said. "This surgery might take a while."
As Batman and Wonder Woman prepared to leave, they noticed that Superman's face was etched with worry. Upon closer inspection, they saw that the Dark Magic had infected his son, causing black veins and weakness. Superman stood beside Superboy, feeling helpless and afraid for his child's life. He reminded himself that he was helping his son by giving him his blood, hoping that it would buy them some time and save him. Clark moved closer to Superboy's ear and whispered, "You are my son, so fight to live. Keep fighting, my dear boy." He followed closely behind Batman and Wonder Woman, but not before casting one last concerned glance at his son as they took him to the surgery room. It was now up to them to save Superboy's life. With a heavy heart, Superman prayed, 'Dear Rao, please save this child so that he can continue to live a full and healthy life. Don't let Cythonna take him away from us again. Please, God, watch over him.'
Once the trio left, the operation to save Superboy's life started.
Zatanna gazed at Superboy, took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and began chanting, ".dlihc siht gnivas ni su ediug gnilaeh rof rewop ruoy deL" Afterward, she opened her eyes, revealing blue, glowing irises.
Superboy's wound opened slightly and released black smoke with a red sparkle and blood. Zatanna guided the magic towards the box, but Superboy grunted and screamed in pain as they left his body.
Zatanna whispered, "I'm sorry. I know you are in pain. But it is going to be alright. I promise." She directs the Dark Magic on the box. Then, after 10 minutes, Superboy's screams calmed down, and little to no magic came out of him, yet blood was still coming out. Her job was almost done, so she turned toward the surgical team, "I think I have taken some of the Dark Magic out of him."
Mr. Terrific, Dr. Mid-Nite, and the surgical team nodded and began working on the Boy of Steel. Switching the regular lights to red Sun lights to manageable for surgery on any Kryptonians.
Once, when Mr. Terrific infused the blood of the Man of Steel with Superboy's blood, everyone waited to see for the negative. However, nothing happened to him. After a minute, his heart monitor started to beep in a stabilized rhythm.
A nurse said, "Sir, his BP is still stabilizing. Fast."
The superheroes were all taken aback as they witnessed the incredible effects of Superman's blood. They had bravely taken an enormous gamble, which undoubtedly paid off.
"How the devil is that possible?!" Dr. Mid-Nite asked.
Zatanna smirked, "Because you just gave him the blood of one of the greatest heroes of all time!"
Mr. Terrific smiled, then got serious, "Let's get to work, people! We have a boy's life to save here!"
"Right!" Everyone shouted, then began to work on saving Superboy's life.
~5 hours later~
After Superboy's friends were treated for their injuries, they waited anxiously for news on his condition. Superman is eager to use his powers to discover what is happening with the boy, but Batman convinces him to stay in the waiting room. Restless, Superman tapped his foot impatiently while they waited.
"Would you stop it?!" Artemis shouted in an angry tone.
Superman stopped his tapping and apologized to the young archer. "I'm sorry."
"There is no need to project your fury onto him, Artemis," Aqualad said. We're all worried for Superboy."
"Yeah, he did give Supey his blood," Kid Flash added.
"Only because he thought Superboy was his son," she glared. "Or maybe you want to look 'good' for your Justice League."
Superman preemptively defends his actions, showing he cares deeply about helping others. "Regardless of Superboy's origins, I will do everything in my power to assist him," he explained to Artemis with compassion.
The archer watched Man of Steel, poised to strike or gauge his commitment to assisting Superboy. Even a typical girl dared to disagree with him, glaring like a tiger about to attack.
She looked away and growled, "Fine!" Then, she sat by her 'nervous mentor,' Green Arrow.
The League had informed him, Aquaman, and Flash of the children present in the Watchtower. He and Batman were hoping that familiar mentors would keep them relaxed. It wasn't working with the female archer, that is for sure.
Superman grunted a little from the exhaust. Man, he had been tried—both physically and mentally—since the children had crashed here. But, like always, he needed to be robust for the children and his team.
"Um, Superman? Are you okay?" Miss Martian asked.
"I'm fine, thanks," he replied with a smile.
"You gave them a lot of blood," Kid Flash pointed out.
"Yeah, Kal, you could rest," Kara agreed.
Clark donated two pints of blood for Superboy's surgery. Despite eating and drinking, he felt tired and hungry. He considered recharging near the Sun, raiding the caffeine for food, or sleeping. However, his top priority was ensuring Superboy and Young Justice were okay.
'To feel your friend go silent cause they die, I would've lost my mind too.' He looked towards the very quiet Robin. Batman went home to get the small boy some fresh clothes. However, the Boy Wonder still hadn't said a word, only staring at the ground in shock. The team members told them that Superboy took the blast for Robin from Klarion, the Witch Boy. 'Poor kid.'
The door swung open, and Zatanna stumbled in, her sugary shirt and mask stained with blood. She collapsed onto the floor, a look of horror etched onto her face.
Batman hurried to her side and grabbed her shoulder, "Zatanna? Are you alright?"
"He's going to be alright," she cried, then looked at the young heroes and Superman. "He's alright," she smiled, then passed out in Batman's arms.
Batman carefully lifts the Magician's unconscious body from the ground. Like a little sister to him, Zatanna is still trying to adapt to superhero life. Batman suspects that the overuse of her magical abilities and exposure to excessive blood may have caused her to faint.
Finally, everyone exhaled as they received the news that the boy would be okay. Some cried tears of joy, while others clapped in relief.
Dr. Mid-Nite entered the room and smiled, "Yes. Your friend is stable and resting right now."
"Can we see him?" Robin asked, finally saying.
"Sure."
The young heroes rush towards Superboy's room, horrified to see him in such a state. They all gather around his hospital bed, trying to keep a brave face as he lies there with a nasty chest wound injury. Wires are connected to him to monitor his heart and breathing while solar panels shine brightly above him.
Superman observed the small group of young heroes who genuinely cared for each other like a family instead of team members or friends.
Wonder Woman smiled and grabbed his shoulder. "Rest now. We will let you know if anything happens, okay?"
Superman nodded and was about to get some rest when Robin grabbed his hand. "Yes?"
"Thank you for saving our friend," the Boy Wonder said with a small smile.
He quickly looked at the other children to understand how they were feeling. Miss Martian and Kid Flash stood to Superboy's right, smiling, while Kaldur nodded in approval, and Artemis, although glaring, still gave him a slight nod of recognition on Superboy's left.
'Yep, this is a family,' Superman smiled. Their relationship with one another was like his relationship with Diana and Bruce. "No problem. It will help if you get going to Superboy. I'm sure he would be glad to see you there."
Robin nodded, "Once he wakes up, I will get you, okay?"
"Okay."
After Robin left to regroup with his friends, Superman decided to rest, relieved that Superboy was safe. He caught himself before referring to Superboy as his son or clone in this universe and instead acknowledged that the boy only had his friends by his side. Superman turned back to the closed door with a heavy heart, determined to be there for Superboy before his friends left.
A/N: Who is ready for Young Justice and Justice League bonding? More importantly, who is prepared for Superman and Superboy's father-son story?! I am!